Crew 15

Join us on a sparkling autumn evening at Lossiemouth on the north Grampian coast and set sail on this unique East Coast adventure. This cruise is a feast of history, wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural diversity. Experience the hospitality of this lesser-known part of Scotland; taste the malts of Speyside; visit small working harbours; see the Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen; breathe the fresh clear air; and enjoy exhilarating sailing across the Firth of Forth and down to landfall at the pretty fishing harbour of Eyemouth. Just to the south lies Holy Island – Lindisfarne – one of the cradles of Christianity in Britain – where we can anchor to visit the ancient abbey and castle. There will be time to visit the Farne Islands, scene of Grace Darling’s heroism and one of the finest bird sanctuaries in Britain. Seals inhabit the outer rocks. This is the Northumbrian coast here – with its perfect unspoilt beaches, fabulous castles and lovely landscapes. Enjoy a night at anchor in the idyllic setting of Lower Newton by the Sea and then an express run south past the mighty rivers Tyne and Tees until the lively historic town of Whitby appears between the cliffs. This is a lively friendly place, home town of Captain Cooke and with lots more amazing history, is a perfect place to rest before the next big passage. Next morning we speed south along the beautiful Yorkshire coast, past Flamborough Head and then shape our course offshore and enjoy an exhilarating sail at night through the North Sea gas fields. Next morning we find ourselves off the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts and glide into the rural peace of Southwold, tying up just beside the pub for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Our final passage follows the ancient trade route south along the gentle Suffolk coast, past the River Orwell, into the mighty Thames Estuary and eventually to our home port at Chatham on the historic River Medway. What an achievement – nearly 500 miles in 8 days and experiences to last a lifetime. And it’s the end of a great circumnavigation of Britain.

Travel: Lossiemouth: Airports at Inverness or Aberdeen, each 1 to 1.5 hours away with cheap Easyjet or BA flights to London. Rail (sleeper) service from Inverness. Buses or taxi from the airports. Chatham: 45 minutes by rail or 1.5 hours by bus from Central London. Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow airports are all convenient. Cross channel links (ferry and tunnel) via Dover and Folkestone are nearby. Chatham is only 20 minutes from Ebbsfleet Eurostar terminal. By road the marina is only 20 minutes from the M25 at the Dartford Crossing. There is free parking at the marina.

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Elite Sailing specialise in beginner's sailing or motor cruising courses, adventure sailing cruises all around the British Isles and northwest Europe, and professional yachtmaster and instructor training for power and sail.